University of New Orleans women's basketball team turning things around

As the final seconds ticked off the clock Saturday, UNO Coach Amy Champion hunched over, ran in front of her bench and gave high-fives to every coach, player and trainer.

If Champion's Lady Privateers have not yet turned a corner, they are quickly approaching it. UNO, which had lost 12 of 13 before Wednesday, won its second consecutive game, defeating Arkansas State 70-57 at Lakefront Arena.

Something is different lately about the Lady Privateers (9-15, 3-10 Sun Belt), who have won back-to-back conference games for the first time since February 2009. They are shooting better, rebounding better and sharing the ball more.

"If we're going to peak, now is the time, " Champion said. "I'm really excited about our team's effort, their execution and their whole attitude at this part of the season. It's been fun coaching them. They've found some long-lost confidence."

Three days after delivering a surprising 68-47 win over South Alabama, UNO shot 48.9 percent, had season highs in 3-pointers (eight) and assists (19) and outrebounded the Red Wolves 40-25.

The Lady Privateers, who entered the game shooting 39.1 percent this season, have made 49.8 percent of their field-goal attempts over the past three games. UNO also reached 70 points for the second time in 15 games.

"I think everybody is coming together, and we're playing as a team, " said guard Nicole Holmes, who led the Lady Privateers with 20 points. "And we all want the same things. We know that we're capable of winning games and beating the teams that we've lost to. We're coming on at the right time."

Meanwhile, point guard Brittany Helm put together her most complete game of the season. The senior from Baton Rouge, who largely relies on driving layups for her points, had 17 points and eight rebounds and set new season highs with three 3-pointers and eight assists.

"I'm just letting it come to me now instead of forcing things, " Helm said. "I'm working around my team. I don't just feel like I have to do everything now. I finally gave them a chance, and I see that now."

Arkansas State (9-15, 3-10) got off to a slow start, making one of its first 10 field-goal attempts and shot 29.2 percent in the first half. The Red Wolves' top three scorers this season -- Sherina Scott, Ebonie Jefferson and Shania Hurst -- combined to shoot 4-of-18 in the first half.

The Lady Privateers led 36-23 at intermission.

"We just seemed to miss easy shots, especially early, " Arkansas State Coach Brian Boyer said. "I thought we got the shots we wanted out of it. We were getting inside. We just didn't finish."